New Labour Party leader David Shearer's first line-up was an opportunity for him to scorn suggestions that he was a lightweight nice-guy figure bound for a short tenure. He did not waste it. His shadow cabinet was warned immediately that portfolios would be reviewed after a year. Strong performers who made meaningful inroads into the Government's popularity would be rewarded.
This is how it should be But after Labour's desultory performance in Parliament under Phil Goff's leadership, it needed to be said.
So, also, Mr Shearer had to infuse his front bench with youthful energy, political appeal and fresh ideas. Too many faces associated with Helen Clark's Government remained dominant figures under Mr Goff. Five new people are, therefore, on Mr Shearer's front bench, a situation that owes as much to the room to move granted a parliamentarian of less than three years as his ambition to refresh Labour's connections with New Zealanders.
Much of the focus on the party's line-up was on the role that David Cunliffe, the defeated candidate in Labour's leadership race, would play. He has lost his finance portfolio and previous number three ranking to David Parker, but gets economic development. That will put him up against Steven Joyce, the central figure in the Government's plans for economic growth. Mr Cunliffe's undoubted talents will not be wasted. Equally, in a further move to ease tensions, Mr Shearer has found room on his front bench for the deputy on Mr Cunliffe's ticket, Nanaia Mahuta. .
She has the education portfolio, and will come up against Hekia Parata in an area that looms as particularly contentious. On issues such as charter schools, Labour will be seeking a far stronger performance than it has shown. Indeed, it is noticeable that many of Labour's new faces are in roles in which ministers usually strike trouble and where they will have the chance to shine.
